Women's Coats & Jackets

A coat is typically longer and heavier, designed as the main layer of protection against cold or wet weather. A jacket is shorter and lighter, often worn as a mid-layer over a jumper or as the outer layer in milder conditions. The line blurs with styles like a barn jacket or a longline bomber, but as a rule, if it covers the hips and is built for real weather protection, it's a coat.

A wax cotton coat is one of the most reliable choices for rain, as the waxed finish sheds water rather than absorbing it. Wool blend coats offer some water resistance too, but they take longer to dry out and can feel heavy when wet. For genuinely heavy rain, look for a coat with a waxed or coated finish and a hood, rather than relying on wool alone.

A quilted jacket is one of the warmer lightweight options, as the stitched channels trap a layer of padding that holds in body heat. It won't match the warmth of a full winter coat, but it's noticeably warmer than an unlined jacket of the same weight. Quilted styles work well as a mid-season coat or as a layer under a heavier coat once temperatures drop further.

A denim jacket or a cord jacket is the most practical choice for spring, as both are light enough to wear alone on milder days but substantial enough to layer over a jumper when it turns colder. Cord adds a bit more texture and warmth than denim, making it the better pick for cooler spring mornings. Both styles also transition easily into autumn.

A denim jacket works best as a simple layer over a t-shirt or dress, and it doesn't need much else to look put together. For a smarter finish, wear it over a shirt with the collar out, or belt it at the waist over a midi dress. It also layers well under a longer coat once the weather turns properly cold, giving you extra warmth without changing the outfit underneath.

Most wool coats need dry cleaning rather than washing, as water and agitation can shrink or felt the fibres. Between cleans, brush off surface dirt with a soft clothes brush and let the coat air out after wearing, rather than hanging it straight back in a packed wardrobe. Always check the care label on the specific coat, as wool blend fabrics can vary in how they should be cleaned.

Yes, our petite range is cut specifically for a shorter frame, with adjusted sleeve length and body length so the proportions sit correctly rather than needing alteration. This matters more with coats than most other garments, as an overlong sleeve or hemline is one of the most noticeable fit issues. Look for the petite filter on this page to see the styles available in petite sizing.

A waxed cotton coat should be sponged clean with cold water rather than machine washed, as washing machines strip the wax finish over time. Re-waxing every year or two keeps the coat water-resistant, using a proprietary wax rather than household products. Avoid tumble drying and keep the coat away from direct heat sources, as high heat can cause the wax to crack or melt unevenly.

A knee-length coat is generally the most versatile, as it works over most outfits without needing to think too hard about proportions. Shorter jacket lengths suit high-waisted trousers and jeans best, while longer coats past the knee tend to work better over dresses and skirts. If you're only buying one coat, knee-length is the safest choice for covering the widest range of outfits.